Job opportunity

This graduate student position offers full German health and social benefits and is not a scholarship position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to set up a device to record the spontaneous flight behavior of wildtype, mutant and transgenic Drosophila fruit flies. The digitally recorded behavioral data will then be evaluated using mathematical algorithms (see http://www.plosone.org/doi/pone.0000443). This project is the first systematic search for the neuronal structures mediating one of the most important brain functions, the generation of adaptive behavioral variability. This project is embedded in a team of researchers studying behavioral variability and feedback-based learning and memory in invertebrates (http://brembs.net). The successful candidate will have a master's, diplom or equivalent degree, ideally with a specialization in genetics and/or neuroscience. Experience in Drosophila handling, breeding and behavior is helpful. Programming experience is
an advantage, as is general computer proficiency. Applications including a CV, a letter of reference and a 500 word description of the applicant's motivation, should be sent electronically to b.brembs@fu-berlin.de until august 31, 2009. Any inquiries should be addressed at Bjoern Brembs at b.brembs@fu-berlin.de.

Contact Information
Dr. Bjoern Brembs
Freie Universitaet Berlin
Inst. Biology, Neurobiology
Koenigin-Luise-Str. 28/30
14195 Berlin
Germany
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail: b.brembs@fu-berlin.de
Website: http://brembs.net

RESEARCH INTERNS

RESEARCH INTERNS (1-2) needed for late winter – early summer in the Avian Ecology Lab at Archbold Biological Station, directed by Dr. Reed Bowman.
The lab focus is understanding long-term population dynamics of Florida Scrub-Jays in natural and suburban habitats in south-central Florida. Interns contribute to many aspects of these projects but their duties will primarily focus on searching for and monitoring nests, conducting periodic censuses of color-banded birds, and habituating young-of-the-year birds for subsequent trapping. In addition, interns may have opportunities assisting in off-site surveys for banded and
unbanded scrub-jays, trapping and banding jays, measuring and bleeding young, counting acorns and arthropods, etc. Interns are expected to devote a minimum of 50% of their time to our long-term projects and to devote the rest of their time to an independent project on some aspect
of the ecology of scrub-jays. Internships offer an opportunity for experience in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice and experimental design to oral and written presentations. Applicants should have a very strong interest in birds, natural history and field biology, the ability to work under hot, humid field conditions, and a strong desire to engage in independent research. Most applicants have completed undergraduate work and are contemplating graduate school in their future. Internships include room and board and a $100 weekly stipend and expenses associated with their independent project.
Opportunities for graduate research also exist. Most positions begin in mid-late Jan and extend through Jul, but some flexibility exists and at least one position could begin in early-Mar and extend through Sep. Applicants should send a letter, in which you indicate your interests and aspiration and why you seek an internship, a resume or CV, a summary of courses and grades and the names and contact information of three references by 15 Oct 2008, to DR. SHANE PRUETT, Avian Ecology Lab, Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Dr. Venus, FL 33960; (PH:
863-465-2571 ext. 228, FX: 863-699-1927, EM: spruett@archbold-station.org). E-mail applications encouraged. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Additional information on these projects can be found at our web site (URL: http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/staff/rbowman/srbowman.htm).

PROJECT LEAD or PROGRAM MANAGER

KBO (URL: http://www.KlamathBird.org) seeks to fill a position on the Science Team, with primary responsibilities split equally between development and coordination of the aquatic bird monitoring program, data management, and landbird program support. This position is being advertised as either a Project Lead ($23,500 to $25,500) or Program Manager ($29,000 to $31,000), depending on experience. Job duties include development and implementation of field studies, data management, grant writing, community and scientific presentations, data analysis, and writing of reports and manuscripts. The applicant must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in the Natural Sciences and a minimum of one year of project management. Additional experience is needed to qualify at the Program Manager level. The applicant should have experience in field studies, preferably with avian monitoring techniques, data management, and willingness to work as a team member for a growing non-profit organization. Qualifications include supervisory experience, excellent written and oral communication skills, data analysis, report and manuscript writing, grant writing, and public speaking. This position requires good physical condition and the ability to work in the field hiking over rough terrain in implement weather conditions and willingness to camp in the field on a regular basis. For additional information about job responsibilities please send an inquiry to (EM: jlh@klamathbird.org). To apply please send cover letter and resume to JAIME STEPHENS (EM:jlh@klamathbird.org, PH: 541-282-0866). Review of applications will begin on 17 Aug, and continue until the position is filled.

FALL 2009 VOLUNTEER POSITIONS in bird ringing and bird monitoring at Aras and Kuyucuk Research Stations in northeastern Turkey

The environmental NGO KuzeyDoga Society (URL: http://www.kuzeydoga.org) has been monitoring and ringing birds at Aras and Kuyucuk Research stations in northeastern Turkey's Kars and Igdir provinces. We have so far recorded 313 bird species in the Kars region, over two-thirds of the country's species, including most of eastern Turkey specialties. 158 bird species have been ringed, both numbers are still rising, and new species to Turkey are possible in this exciting region that borders Armenia and Georgia. The list of ringed and observed birds is here: (URL: http://kuzeydoga.org/index.php/birdlist). We are looking for experienced and licensed bird ringers and experts who can conduct systematic bird counts, including songbird, waterfowl, wader, and raptor monitoring. Experience with Turkey/Middle East/Eastern Europe birds is preferred. Interested applicants need to email their bird ringing and/or bird monitoring resume to (EM: onder@kuzeydoga.org). The ornithology program is part of the Kars-Igdir Biodiversity Project led by ornithologist, ecologist and conservationist Dr. Cagan Sekercioglu (URL: http://www.sekercioglu.org), senior scientist at Stanford University Biology Department and the president of KuzeyDoga. As a result of our multi-year efforts to protect and monitor the region's bird diversity while benefiting local people from ecotourism, KuzeyDoga was honored to receive from HRH Princess Anne the 2008 Whitley Gold Award, the most presitigous grassroots conservation award of the United Kingdom (URL: http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/website/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1252&Itemid=32).

Our conservation and ecotourism efforts have culminated this spring in the designation of Lake Kuyucuk as Turkey's 13. and eastern Turkey's first RAMSAR wetland, and Kuyucuk's election as Turkey's 2009 European Destination of Excellence by the European Commission. Aras Station (950 m a.s.l., 40º 07' N, 043º 35' E) is in a wetland by the Aras river and is surrounded by reeds and willows. Kuyucuk Lake (1627 m a.s.l., 40º 45' N, 043º 27' E) is a bird-rich steppe lake surrounded by wheat fields and alpine meadows. Photos can be seen on (URL: http://www.kuyucuk.org/ and http://picasaweb.google.com/kuzeydoga/ArasIstasyonArasStation#).

Research Assistant for field work on rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico

Hiring Organization:
Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig, Germany

Date Posted:
2009-07-31

Position Description:
The goal of our long-term study is to investigate the mechanisms underlying paternal kin discrimination in primates. Therefore, we study the development of paternal kin bias by following individuals from birth until they reach maturation. We are currently finishing the 5th year of behavioral observations conducted on the free-ranging rhesus macaque population on the island of Cayo Santiago (Puerto Rico, USA).

The main part of the work will include the collection of behavioral data over several months.

In a training period (December 2009 through March 2010), the assistant will learn:
1. recognizing approx. 350-400 monkeys individually,
2. distinguishing between the 6 troops on Cayo Santiago,
3. collecting focal data using a Psion handheld computer.

During the observation period (April 2010 through December 2010), the assistant will additionally be responsible for
1. editing/cleaning the behavioral data collected
2. collecting ranking information for the males to establish a hierarchy
3. collecting estrus/mating information for the females
4. if required, collecting DNA samples (hair/tissue) from dead monkeys,
5. appropriate storage of samples and updating the database of DNA samples.

During the training as well as the observation period the assistant is expected to work 5 to 6 days a week depending upon the observational schedule. A time off for about 2 weeks is only possible between week 1 and 3 in August 2010.

Qualifications/Experience:
Priority will be given to applicants with experience in collecting behavioral data from individually recognized mammals (especially free-ranging primates). Furthermore, it is important that the candidate has experienced living in foreign countries. Experience with MS Excel, SPSS and Observer 5.0 is also welcome. Working under tropical conditions demands very good physical condition. After training has finished the assistant must be able to work completely independently (!). The candidate should have the desire and ability to adapt to different cultures (both human and monkeys). Patience, perseverance, organizational and social skills are also needed. Primary work will be conducted in English, but Spanish can be most helpful for living in Puerto Rico. The successful candidate needs to bring an IACUC certification before starting work and proof of a negative TB test (TB testing must be repeated every 6 months).

Salary/funding:
The position of a research assistant (approx. 1300 Euro/month, plus German health insurance and benefit system) is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for 12 months, including costs of airfare. All other costs such as housing (approx. 200-350 $US/month), health insurance for the US, vaccination and visa costs are not included.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
see above.

Term of Appointment:
Dec 1st, 2009 to Dec 15th, 2010

Application Deadline:
Sept 15th 2009

Comments:
Applicants should send their CV, a letter describing their interests in the study of animal behavior, graduate certification and contact information for two references. Please send ONLY email applications.

Contact Information:
Anja Widdig, Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany

Telephone Number:
++49 (0) 341 3550 233

Fax Number:
++49 (0) 341 3550 299

Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/

E-mail Address:
anja.widdig@eva.mpg.de

Volunteer Field Research Assistant

Hiring Organization:
PhD student at Washington State University, Evolutionary Anthropology

Date Posted:
2009-07-30

Position Description:
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Study Duration: December 2009-August 2010 (third field season)
Position Description: Volunteer research assistants needed to help collect behavioral data on white-faced capuchin monkeys, Cebus capucinus. The focus of this project is understanding how high levels of tourism impact human-primate and primate-primate interactions, particularly intragroup aggression over human resources. Volunteer position--no salary, travel, or room and board funding supplied. More information including a detailed research manual and project photographs are available; if interested contact meredithhcs@aol.com.


Preferred Time Commitment: A minimum time commitment of 6 months is preferred, although some assistants with shorter available times may be considered.

Qualifications/Experience:
Preferred:
Previous research experience
Familiarity and experience in outdoor/wildnerness settings
Experience with international travel/hot and humid climates
Willingness to work independently

Salary/funding:
Volunteer position--no salary/funding, travel or room and board provided

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
none provided

Term of Appointment:
6 month time period between December 2010 and August 2010

Application Deadline:
March 2010

Comments:
Position expects volunteer assistants to work primarily independently following training and to be self-motivated and flexible.

Contact Information:
Meredith Schulte
Costa Rica

Website:
http://www.washington.edu/depts/ipem

E-mail Address:
meredithhcs@aol.com